The time is the nineteenth century. The place, the Serengeti Plain, where one Charlie Smithers – faithful manservant to the arrogant bone-head, Lord Brampton (with five lines in Debrett, and a hopeless shot to boot) – becomes separated from his master during an unfortunate episode with an angry rhinoceros, thereby launching Charlie on an odyssey into Deepest Darkest Africa, and subsequently into the arms of the beautiful Loiyan…and that’s where the trouble really begins.

Maasai warriors, xenophobic locals, or evil Arab slavers, the two forbidden lovers encounter everything that the unforgiving jungle can throw at them.

"A truly engaging read that will keep anyone’s attention from the hilarious beginning until the last word. I highly recommend this 5 star novel." ~ Chapters & Chats

The time is the nineteenth century. The place, the Serengeti Plain, where one Charlie Smithers – faithful manservant to the arrogant bone-head, Lord Brampton (with five lines in Debrett, and a hopeless shot to boot) – becomes separated from his master during an unfortunate episode with an angry rhinoceros, thereby launching Charlie on an odyssey into Deepest Darkest Africa, and subsequently into the arms of the beautiful Loiyan…and that’s where the trouble really begins.

Maasai warriors, xenophobic locals, or evil Arab slavers, the two forbidden lovers encounter everything that the unforgiving jungle can throw at them.

"A truly engaging read that will keep anyone’s attention from the hilarious beginning until the last word. I highly recommend this 5 star novel." ~ Chapters & Chats

Avaliações mais úteis de consumidores na Amazon.com

Amazon.com:
4,4 de 5 estrelas
65 avaliações

Sharon L. Menear

5,0 de 5 estrelasA Thrilling and Humorous African Adventure

2 de setembro de 2013 - Publicada na Amazon.com

Compra verificada

I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Englishman Charlie Smithers' adventures while stranded in the heart of Africa in the 1850s. Charlie's experiences were alternately hilarious, thrilling, heartwarming, and tragic. It was obvious Lovatt had done extensive research. The compelling characters were true to life, and the dialogue was authentic for the time period. I laughed, cried, and breathlessly turned the pages during many suspense-filled scenes. All in all, a true triumph for debut author C.W. Lovatt.S.L. Menear, author of thriller novel DEADSTICK DAWN

"The Adventures of Charlie Smithers" has often been compared to the Harry Flashman novels, to which it compares quite favorably. It is also reminiscent of such Rider Haggard novels such as "King Solomon's Mines" and "She."Author C. W. Lovatt has done an admirable job of recreating the atmosphere of 1850s British Colonialism. The narrative voice of Charlie, a Victorian era "gentleman's gentleman," is by turns matter of fact, cynical, and irreverent, just as one might expect from someone who served in his capacity during the era of the Empire.The book immediately engages the reader's attention through the aforesaid narrative voice, and almost at once launches into a series of hair raising, improbable, and sometimes hilarious misadventures. The action begins with Charlie becoming separated from his "gentleman" by a stampeding rhino. Chased off a cliff by the charging beast, he lands in a river, breaking both ankles and finding himself surrounded by hungry crocodiles. From there, let it just be said that the action and adventure escalate. "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers" is great entertainment, related with great good humor. It will leave you anxious for a sequel.

In his first novel, CW Lovatt seems to have found his niche... Historical fiction is my favourite fictional genre, and accuracy with events, culture, geography, and demographics of the period are among the most important attributes good historical fiction. For example, nothing will throw me from a story like coming across a saying that would never have been uttered at that time or in that place, or cultural meme that would not - could not - have been around. I HATE that. In short, it needs to be believable - from the plot to the setting to the characters. That said, a huge kudos must go to Mr. Lovatt for writing a novel that did not, even once, throw me from the story. Rather, this book captured my attention from the first pages and then held on to it. Charlie Smithers is a man I quite simply fell for, from his sweet disposition to his unflinching courage. This book will make you laugh, make you swoon, and make you cry. Seriously. It's well worth the read.

This morning I finished CW Lovatt's book. His story and the two main characters I think will stay with me for the rest of my life. Books come and go and the stories fade with time. The characters blend with others and I get them muddled in my brain. I do not think I will ever forget Charlie, Loiyan and their adventure together.CW Lovatt, you have written an amazing story. I would swear you lived it out yourself it is so vivid. I would say more about how it affected me but am afraid I'd give away too much. Thank you for a roller coaster read. Up down and all around. It was really quite an experience. (If I didn't make it clear yet, I loved it!)

Charlie Smithers is such a delightful character that I fell in love with him instantly.Charlie is a manservant to the accident prone Lord Brampton and he goes well above the call of duty.While in Africa on Safari Charlie is almost killed protecting his lord from certain death by a black rhino.At that point he is separated from Lord Brampton and rescued/kidnapped by some natives.As I started reading this story I was struck by how magnificent the character of Charlie Smithers was. His inner dialogue had me literally crying from laughter not to mention his live dialogue with others.Charlie is a product of his time, his views on things completely reflect that and it was very interesting seeing his views on things change. C.W. Lovatt was able to strap me in and take me on this adventure with Charlie and it is not one that I will soon forget. The writing is flawless and the story flows so smoothly that before I knew it the end was upon me.As Charlie grew I did as well. By the end of his adventure he was three times the man he started out as.This tale brought forth raw emotions from me. I was able to feel every blessed emotion that Charlie felt and by the end of this book I felt as if I had gained a friend for life.A Fabulous book and a Fabulous author. Bravo Sir, Bravo!!